BIODIVERSITY
Pacific-slope flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
Video Credit: Henry Zylstra Trail Cam
Audio Credit: Amanda Sparkman
These flycatchers have the typical boxy heads of their family; the plumage is rather modestly brownish-yellow on the back, and their bellies are a light yellow. You may not notice them unless you are looking carefully, but once you do, you will see and hear them all over campus. Listen for their clear, fast, two-syllable “sooo-weet!” call high in the trees.
MARGARET TALOR
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
First sign of summer soon to come,
your whistling, welcoming warmth
bids winter a last farewell.
Reminder of lazy days resuming rule,
PeeWEET! How can boundless voice be
contained in such small bodies?
So outspoken, but so
hidden, feathers yellow-green
camouflage you into the trees.
Crests flare and tails twitch as
your tiny black eyes, rimmed with white
watch me from between the leaves,
as I train and strain my eyes.
So many of you, one of me,
somehow sheltered while flying free.